Buy the Right Glock 17 Gen 5 Slide
The Glock 17 gen 5 slide is a modern classic, revered for its reliability, durability, and user-friendly design. But for many owners, the factory-standard pistol is just the beginning. The slide is the heart of your pistol’s functionality and a key area for upgrades.
Whether you’re a first-time gun owner or a seasoned enthusiast, understanding the differences between an OEM Glock slide, a stripped slide, a complete slide, and a Glock 17 Gen 5 MOS slide is crucial for making the best decision.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find the best Glock 17 Gen 5 slide for your needs, from understanding core components to navigating the world of optic cuts and aftermarket options.
Stripped vs. Complete: The Core Distinction
When you start your search for a new Glock slide, you’ll immediately encounter two primary terms: “stripped” and “complete.” Knowing the difference is the first step in your buying journey.
- Glock 17 Gen 5 OEM Slide (Stripped): A stripped slide is exactly what it sounds like—just the bare metal housing. It comes without any internal components, such as the firing pin, extractor, or barrel.
- This option is ideal for seasoned builders or those who already have a Glock slide parts kit and want to customize their build from the ground up. It offers the most flexibility, allowing you to choose every single component, from the firing pin to the sights.
- Glock 17 Gen 5 Complete Slide: This is the most convenient option, especially for beginners. A complete slide comes fully assembled with all the internal components, including the barrel, guide rod, and all small parts. It’s a “drop-in” solution that can be installed on your frame in minutes.
- For a first-time buyer or someone who simply wants a hassle-free upgrade without the complexities of gunsmithing, a Glock 17 Gen 5 Complete slide is the perfect choice.
The Power of an Optic Cut: Glock 17 Gen 5 MOS Slide
In modern shooting, red dot sights have become a game-changer. They offer faster target acquisition, improved accuracy, and a more intuitive shooting experience. If you plan to mount a red dot sight, you need a slide with an optic cut. This brings us to the Glock 17 Gen 5 MOS slide.
Again, MOS stands for “Modular Optic System.” A Glock 17 Gen5 MOS slide is a factory-prepared slide that comes with a precision-machined cut and a series of adapter plates. This system allows you to easily and securely mount a wide range of popular red dot sights directly to your slide, eliminating the need for a third-party gunsmith to mill your slide.
The MOS system ensures a secure fit, consistent zero, and a lower profile for your optic. The Glock 17 Gen 5 slide with optic cut is an essential upgrade for anyone serious about improving their shooting performance with modern optics.
Choosing the Best Glock 17 Gen 5 Slide for You
With the basics covered, let’s dive into the key factors that will help you decide on the best Glock slide for your specific needs.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Slides
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Glock Slides: These are factory-made by Glock. They adhere to Glock’s legendary quality standards, ensuring your pistol will function exactly as designed. The finish, often Glock’s nDLC, provides exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear.
- Aftermarket Slides: Offered by companies like ZEV, Brownells, and Grey Ghost Precision, aftermarket slides are all about customization.
To begin with, while some aftermarket slides can be lighter to reduce recoil, always ensure the manufacturer has a reputation for quality and reliability. For competitive shooters or those looking for a truly unique look, aftermarket slides offer a world of possibilities.
Optic Cuts and Footprints
Beyond the MOS system, many aftermarket slides come with specific optic cuts. These “footprints” are designed to fit a particular type of red dot sight. The two most common footprints are:
- Optic Cuts and Footprints: The Trijicon RMR Footprint is the most widely supported standard.1 You can fit a massive variety of popular red dot sights onto it, including the Trijicon RMR and the Holosun 407C/507C/508T, among many others.
- The Leupold DeltaPoint Pro Footprint is another common standard.3 You often find it on versatile slides that also support the RMR. Shop Glock19 Gen5 Custom Blemished GS Slide
Glock 17 Gen 5 Slide OEM Stripped Materials, Finishes, and Serrations
- Materials: Most quality slides, both OEM and aftermarket, are machined from durable materials like 17-4 stainless steel. This material provides excellent strength and resistance to corrosion.
- Finishes: Glock’s nDLC finish is a tough, non-reflective coating. Aftermarket slides often feature other high-performance finishes like Cerakote or Black Nitride, which not only add a layer of protection but also come in a variety of colors to personalize your pistol.
- Serrations: The grooves on the front and back of the slide are called serrations. They provide a tactile surface for you to get a secure grip when racking the slide. While all Gen 5 Glock slides have front and rear serrations, aftermarket slides often feature more aggressive or stylized cuts for improved grip, especially in wet or high-stress conditions.
In addition, whether you’re looking for a simple, reliable replacement or a full custom build, the right Glock 17 Gen5 slide can dramatically enhance your shooting experience. For unmatched factory reliability and modern optic compatibility, the Glock 17 Gen5 MOS slide is a top-tier choice.
Finally, if you’re a builder who wants to hand-pick every component, an OEM stripped slide is the perfect canvas. Ultimately, the best slide for you is the one that meets your specific needs, aligns with your budget, and helps you get the most out of your Glock pistol.
Glock 17 Gen5 OEM Slide (Stripped)-What’s included: -Glock OEM 17 Gen5 stripped slide -Channel liner -OEM sights *DOES NOT INCLUDE BARREL, RSA OR UPPER
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